Railroad accidents can happen in many ways, and they can affect many different people. Passengers, railyard workers, service teams, and pedestrians and drivers at railroad crossings can all suffer serious injuries or even death in a railroad or train-related accident.
According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), there were almost 5,000 railroad accident incidents in the United States in 2019. Railroad accidents may include derailments, collisions, equipment issues, yard accidents, and facilities issues.
Many railroad accidents are preventable. If you were injured in a railroad accident, you may be able to recover compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. If we believe you qualify to take legal action, a Levittown personal injury lawyer from Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. will offer to represent you. We also handle wrongful death lawsuits, in the tragic event that your loved one perished in a railroad accident.
To learn more about your legal options in a free consultation with a member of our team, call Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. today at (516) 932-0400.
- Causes of Railroad Accidents
- Working with Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. on Your Case
- Contact Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. Today
Causes of Railroad Accidents
Railroads are highly regulated, and accidents involving trains are less common than accidents involving other vehicles such as passenger cars and commercial trucks. However, accidents still occur on commuter trains, subway trains, trams, and cargo and freight trains. Railroad accidents can injure both train riders and pedestrians and drivers at railroad crossings and along train tracks.
Victims may face challenges when it comes to pursuing compensation for a railroad accident. First, identifying the at-fault party is not always straightforward, and second, dealing with the at-fault party’s insurer can be difficult, especially if the insurer follows a “deny, delay, defend,” course of action, meaning they deny fault, delay taking any action to reach an appropriate settlement and then defend any lawsuit that is commenced to “wear down,” an injured person making a good faith claim to recover actual monetary damages.
The first step in the process, however, is understanding how and why railroad accidents happen. Here are some of the leading causes of railroad accidents. They range from basic negligence and mechanical failures to derailments and human error.
Negligence
There are many ways negligence can cause or contribute to a railroad accident. For example, the incorrect operation of a railroad crossing arm can be classified as negligence. If an operator forgets or fails to turn on a signal light, does not know how to use safety or signaling equipment, or disregards warning signs, he or she—and his or her employer, which may be a railroad owner or an operator—may be liable for the damages caused by any resultant accidents.
Human Error
An inexperienced conductor can cause or contribute to an accident, as can signalers, maintenance crew, passengers, and railroad workers. Fatigue, working under the influence of drugs or alcohol, poor vision, and a failure to follow safety protocols can all lead to an accident.
Reckless Road Users
Railroad accidents can also be caused by the general public as well. Reckless pedestrians, drivers who try to beat a closing railroad crossing, driver distraction, and stalling or parking on railroad tracks can all lead to an accident.
Mechanical Failures
Trains are complex machines, and they require regular maintenance and servicing. A failure to service a train—or to ensure the train tracks are clear and in working order—can lead to a serious accident such as a derailment. Malfunctions in small parts can have a large impact as well, such as a failure in a rail switch, a safety signal, or a mechanical arm. Malfunctioning lights, gates, and other warning devices at a railroad crossing can also create a railroad accident.
If you were hurt in a railroad accident, whether you actually know someone else was at fault or you are unsure as to what caused the accident, please contact Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. at (516) 932-0400 for a free consultation on your case with a member of our team. When we take on a case, we thoroughly research the facts surrounding the cause(s) of the accident. If you suffered an injury, we should talk. Please call and we will answer your questions and address your concerns.
For a free legal consultation with a Railroad Accident lawyer serving Levittown, call 516-932-0400
Working with Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. on Your Case
Railroad owners and operators are required to meet and follow specific safety standards and protocols. A failure to do so may qualify as negligence. Hiring unqualified workers, not providing them with proper training, and not installing or maintaining important operational equipment can all lead to liability on the part of a railroad worker, owner, or operator.
When we represent you, a Levittown railroad accident lawyer from Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. will:
- Keep you updated on your case
- Identify liable parties
- Communicate with all parties for you
- Gather evidence
- Determine a value for your case
When it comes to collecting evidence, we will hire medical experts, vocational rehabilitation specialists, life care planners, and economists to testify on your behalf, as needed.
Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. will handle settlement negotiations with the responsible party’s insurance company, fighting to win the best possible outcome for you. If they are unwilling to make you an appropriate settlement offer, we are ready and able to take your case to trial.
Levittown Railroad Accident Lawyer Near Me 516-932-0400
Contact Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. Today
Railroad owners and operators are powerful entities, as are insurance companies. If you or a loved one was harmed or injured by a train or suffered a railroad accident of any other type, Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. is just a call away. We fight multi-billion dollar companies and their teams of lawyers every day. We are prepared to do that for you.
When you work with a Levittown railroad accident lawyer from our firm on your case, we will tirelessly pursue compensation for you while you focus on your recovery. Depending on the specifics of your case, the following types of damages may be recoverable:
- Medical bills, both current and future
- Lost wages and reduced earning capability
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- And more, depending upon the unique circumstances of your case.
Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. represents clients on a contingency-fee-basis with no up-front fees required. Our clients only pay us attorney fees if and when they recover compensation in a settlement offer or court award.
To reach a member of the Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. team, call (516) 932-0400 today. Our multilingual staff is able to assist callers in Spanish, Greek, Bengali, Tamil, and Kannada.
Call or text 516-932-0400 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form